The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has called on the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to close state-owned schools throughout the month of Ramadan. She stated that no Muslim-majority country enforces such a practice and that the closure of schools during fasting is not a religious requirement.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Ahmad said that keeping schools open during Ramadan is a common practice worldwide, even in countries where Islam is the dominant religion. She pointed out that Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, keeps its schools open throughout the fasting period.
“In each state, the education system is under state jurisdiction, and they have the right to make decisions,” she noted. “However, we can only engage them and present our position on the matter.”
Ahmad further explained that Islam does not mandate the closure of schools because of fasting. She referenced Islamic history, noting that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) even went to war during Ramadan, which shows that fasting does not prevent people from carrying out important duties.
She expressed concern over the academic time lost due to the school closures, warning that this could worsen existing challenges in Nigeria’s education system. The Federal Ministry of Education, she said, is already in discussions with the affected states to find alternatives. “What about the period that will be lost? This is something we are looking into as we continue discussions with the state governments,” she added. She emphasized that the extended break could lead to overcrowded classrooms and learning gaps, especially in northern Nigeria, where education standards are already struggling.
The decision by these states to shut down schools during Ramadan has sparked widespread debate, with education stakeholders questioning its necessity. Critics argue that closing schools will negatively impact the quality of education, particularly in areas already dealing with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also weighed in on the matter, describing the decision as discriminatory and harmful to non-Muslim students in the affected states. The association warned that such policies could deepen existing inequalities in education and violate students’ rights.
In a statement, CAN said, “Closing schools for five weeks in these regions could be counterproductive and set a dangerous precedent.” The association also noted that students from poor backgrounds who struggle to access quality education would be the most affected.
Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) strongly opposed the decision, calling it an infringement on students’ rights. The association’s National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, condemned the move, saying, “Every student deserves the right to an education without unnecessary disruption.” NANS urged the governments of the affected states to reconsider their decision, warning of the long-term consequences of lost academic time.
However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) defended the decision to close schools, citing the extreme heat conditions in northern Nigeria during Ramadan. The council argued that the welfare of students, particularly their health and safety while fasting, must be prioritized.
The ongoing debate highlights a broader issue: how to balance religious observance with the need for uninterrupted education. Many believe that while religious practices should be respected, they should not come at the cost of education, particularly in a country where millions of children are already out of school.
The northern region of Nigeria has long faced challenges in education, including low school enrollment rates and poor infrastructure. According to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 10 million children in Nigeria are out of school, with a large percentage of them in the North. Many education experts argue that shutting down schools for an extended period will only worsen this crisis.
Ahmad’s comments reflect the federal government’s growing concern over educational setbacks in the country. While states have the authority to manage their school systems, the minister is urging them to consider the broader implications of their policies.
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